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Abstract:

An interactive program guide system is provided. The system facilitates
recording of programs selected from the program guide. The system handles
the recording and viewing of pay programs, parentally-controlled
programs, consecutive programs on different television channels, and
programs with and without copy protection. Programs may be recorded using
combination television videocassette recorder (TV/VCR) units.

Claims:

1-12. (canceled)

13. A method for presenting a media asset at user equipment of a user,
comprising: receiving a user request to access a media asset; generating,
for display, a first option to purchase the media asset with an access
restriction and a second option to purchase the media asset without the
access restriction; providing the media asset with the access restriction
when the user selects the first option; and providing the media asset
without the access restriction when the user selects the second option.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the first option is associated with a
first fee and the second option is associated with a second fee.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the first fee is less than the second
fee.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein providing the media asset without the
access restriction comprises enabling the user to store the media asset.

17. The method of claim 13 further comprising: generating a message for
display indicating that the media asset cannot be stored when the user
selects the first option.

18. The method of claim 13 further comprising: receiving user selection
of the second option at the user equipment; and control circuitry
removing the access restriction from the media asset in response to the
user selection of the second option.

19. The method of claim 13, wherein the media asset is scheduled to
become available at a future time.

20. The method of claim 13 further comprising: generating, for display, a
parental control option for locking the media asset.

21. The method of claim 20 further comprising: receiving a user selection
of the parental control option to lock the media asset; and control
circuitry blocking access to the media asset in response to receiving the
user selection of the parental control option.

22. A system for presenting a media asset, the system comprising:
circuitry configured to: receive a user request to access a media asset;
generate, for display, a first option to purchase the media asset with an
access restriction and a second option to purchase the media asset
without the access restriction; provide the media asset with the access
restriction when the user selects the first option; and provide the media
asset without the access restriction when the user selects the second
option.

23. The system of claim 22, wherein the first option is associated with a
first fee and the second option is associated with a second fee.

24. The system of claim 23, wherein the first fee is less than the second
fee.

25. The system of claim 22, wherein the control circuitry is further
configured to provide the media asset without the access restriction by
enabling the user to store the media asset.

26. The system of claim 22, wherein the control circuitry is further
configured to generate a message for display indicating that the media
asset cannot be stored when the user selects the first option.

27. The system of claim 22, wherein the control circuitry is further
configured to: receive user selection of the second option; and remove
the access restriction from the media asset in response to the user
selection of the second option.

28. The system of claim 22, wherein the media asset is scheduled to
become available at a future time.

29. The system of claim 22, wherein the circuitry is further configured
to generate, for display, a parental control option for locking the media
asset.

30. The system of claim 29, wherein the circuitry is further configured
to: receive a user selection of the parental control option to lock the
media asset; and block access to the media asset in response to receiving
the user selection of the parental control option.

Description:

[0001] This is a continuation of pending prior application Ser. No.
10/202,280, filed Jul. 22, 2002, which is a continuation of patent
application Ser. No. 09/654,856, filed Sep. 5, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No.
6,473,559, which is a divisional of patent application Ser. No.
08/924,239, filed Sep. 5, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,141,488. All of these
prior patent applications are hereby incorporated by reference herein in
their entireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to recording television programs, and more
particularly, to systems for recording television programs selected from
an interactive television program guide.

[0003] Cable, satellite, and broadcast television systems provide viewers
with a large number of television channels. Viewers have traditionally
consulted printed television program schedules to determine the programs
being broadcast at a particular time. More recently, interactive
electronic television program guides have been developed that allow
television program information to be displayed on a viewer's television.

[0004] Interactive program guides allow users to access television program
listings in different display formats. For example, a user may desire to
view a grid of program listings organized in a channel-ordered list.
Alternatively, the user may desire to view program listings organized by
time, by theme (movies, sports, etc.), or by title (i.e., alphabetically
ordered).

[0005] A user may select a program for viewing or recording from the
program guide. For example, the user may place a highlight region on top
of a desired program listing and press a "record" button on a remote
control. Pay programs may be ordered by placing the highlight region on a
pay program listing and pressing an "order" button. Some program guides
allow parents to block certain television programs based on criteria such
as ratings information.

[0006] There are sometimes difficulties associated with using these
program guide features. For example, previously known interactive program
guide systems have generated infrared commands at the scheduled broadcast
time of a program selected for recording that instruct a videocassette
recorder to turn on prior to recording the selected program. Although
such an approach is satisfactory for operating many standard
videocassette recorders, it is incompatible with combined TV/VCR units,
because the television and videocassette recorder portions of combined
TV/VCR units typically share a common power circuit. The commands issued
to turn on the videocassette recorder prior to recording generally turn
off TV/VCR units entirely if the user is using the television portion of
the TV/VCR at the scheduled time for recording. If the TV/VCR is turned
off in this way, the TV/VCR will not record the program selected for
recording. Moreover, turning off the TV/VCR unit while the viewer is
watching television is annoying to the user.

[0007] Another difficulty associated with previous program guide systems
relates to recording consecutive programs on different channels.
Previously known program guide systems have recorded short buffer
segments just before and after the scheduled broadcast time of each
selected program. For example, a one-minute buffer segment may be
recorded before a program is scheduled to begin and a three-minute buffer
segment may be recorded following the scheduled completion of the
program. Recording such buffer segments ensures that the program is
recorded in its entirety even if there is a slight discrepancy between
the set-top box clock and the broadcast time of the program. However, if
the two consecutive programs are recorded on different channels, the
beginning of the second program will generally be lost because the system
will not change to the proper channel for the second program until the
trailing buffer segment for the first program has ended.

[0008] Another difficulty associated with previously known program guide
systems relates to recording parentally-controlled programs. Parental
control allows parents to lock certain programs or groups of programs
based on blocking criteria such as a title, channel, ratings information,
content, etc. When a program is locked, the parent creates a parental
control personal identification number (PIN). When it is time for the
locked program to be broadcast, the system asks the parent to enter the
parental control PIN. The system blocks the display of the locked program
unless the correct parental control PIN is provided. However, if the
system is-attempting to display a given program because that program was
selected for recording from the program guide, the user may not be
present when the system asks the user to enter the PIN. As a result, the
selected program will not be unlocked prior to recording. What is needed
is a way in which to allow locked programs to be recorded without
requiring that the user be present when the program is recorded.

[0009] Previously known program guide systems have also allowed programs
to be selected for recording without checking to see if such programs are
pay programs. If the user of such a system fails to purchase the program
prior to recording, the program will not be properly descrambled during
recording.

[0010] Another difficulty associated with previously known program guide
systems relates to recording copy-protected programs. Such systems allow
users to select copy-protected programs for recording without warning the
users that the selected programs are copy protected and therefore not be
useable if recorded.

[0011] Another difficulty associated with previously known program guide
systems relates to recording and viewing pay programs that are offered at
a higher price without copy protection than when offered with copy
protection. In such systems it has generally been difficult for the user
to coordinate the purchase process, the selection of whether the program
will be copy protected, and the scheduling of recording and viewing.

[0012] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an
interactive television program guide with improved program recording and
viewing capabilities.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] This and other objects of the invention are accomplished in
accordance with the principles of the present invention by providing an
interactive program guide system in which programs may be selected for
recording from the program guide. The program guide may be implemented
using a set-top box or other suitable equipment. Programs are recorded
using a videocassette recorder or other suitable video recording device.
At the scheduled broadcast time of the program selected for recording,
the program guide system tunes the set-top box to the television channel
of the selected program and directs the videocassette recorder to begin
recording the program.

[0014] The system is compatible with combination television videocassette
recorder (TV/VCR) units. If recording is to be performed using a TV/VCR,
the system displays a message informing the user when recording is about
to begin. The message asks the user whether the user desires to continue
with the recording of the selected program. If the user indicates a
desire not to continue recording, recording is cancelled. If the user
indicates a desire to continue with recording, the system tunes to the
appropriate channel and directs the videocassette recorder portion of the
TV/VCR to begin recording. If the user does not respond, it is assumed
that the TV/VCR is off, so the system transmits a suitable command to
turn on the TV/VCR before directing the videocassette recorder portion of
the TV/VCR to begin recording.

[0015] Consecutive programs on different channels can be recorded without
losing any portion of either program by eliminating some of the buffer
segments recorded with previously known systems.

[0016] Locked programs may be recorded using several techniques. One
technique for handling locked programs involves determining whether a
program selected from a program guide has previously been locked. If the
selected program has been locked, the system requests that a parent enter
a parental control personal identification number (PIN). Only if the PIN
is correct is the selected program unlocked and recorded at the scheduled
broadcast time of the selected program.

[0017] Another technique for handling locked programs involves displaying
a message that informs a user whenever a program previously selected for
recording becomes locked. The message provides the user with an
opportunity to decide whether to cancel or to retain the recording
selection. If the recording selection is retained, the system unlocks the
selected program and records the selected program at the scheduled
broadcast time for the program.

[0018] Another technique for handling locked programs involves determining
whether a parental control PIN has been created with the system whenever
a program is selected for recording from the program guide. If a PIN has
been created, the PIN must be entered before the program will be recorded
successfully.

[0019] The system allows pay programs to be recorded by determining
whether programs selected for recording from the program guide are pay
programs when they are selected. If a selected program is a pay program,
the system asks the user to purchase the program (if the user has not
already purchased the program). If the program is purchased, the system
descrambles and records the selected program at the scheduled broadcast
time of the program.

[0020] The system also handles copy protected programs. With one
arrangement, the system determines whether a program selected for
recording is copy protected. If the program is not copy protected, the
system records the program at the scheduled broadcast time of the
program. If the program is copy protected, the system displays a message
informing the user that the selected program may not be recorded.

[0021] With another arrangement, the system allows the user to select a
pay program for recording or for viewing. If the program is selected for
recording, the system offers the program at a price suitable for a
program without copy protection. At the scheduled broadcast time of the
program, the system provides the program to the videocassette recorder
without copy protection and directs the videocassette recorder to record
the selected program. If the program is selected for viewing, the system
offers the program at a price suitable for a program with copy
protection. At the scheduled broadcast time the system provides the
program for viewing with copy protection.

[0022] Further features of the invention, its nature and various
advantages will be more apparent from the accompanying drawings and the
following detailed description of the preferred embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a system in accordance with
the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of an illustrative program
guide display screen in accordance with the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a flow chart of illustrative steps involved in recording
television programs using a combination TV/VCR unit in accordance with
the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing how the recording schemes
used in previously known program guide systems could result in the loss
of a portion of a desired program during recording.

[0027] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing how a program guide system in
accordance with the present invention eliminates the program loss
experienced with the approach shown in FIG. 4.

[0028] FIG. 6a is a flow chart of illustrative steps involved in defining
blocking criteria and creating a parental control personal identification
number (PIN) in accordance with the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 6b is a flow chart of illustrative steps involved in blocking
the viewing of a television program with parental controls in accordance
with the present invention.

[0030] FIGS. 7a, 7b, and 7c are flow charts of illustrative approaches for
recording a television program locked with parental controls in
accordance with the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 8 is a flow chart of illustrative steps involved in recording
a pay program in accordance with the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 9 is a flow chart of illustrative steps involved in recording
a copy-protected program in accordance with the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 10 is a flow chart of illustrative steps involved in recording
a pay program without copy protection or viewing a pay program with copy
protection in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0034] An illustrative system 20 that supports an interactive television
program guide in accordance with the present invention is shown in FIG.
1. Main facility 22 provides data from program guide database 24 to
television distribution facility 26 via communications link 28. Link 28
may be a satellite link, a telephone network link, a cable or fiber optic
link, a microwave link-, a combination such links, or any other suitable
communications path. Television distribution facility 26 may be a cable
system headend, a broadcast distribution facility, a satellite television
distribution facility, or other suitable distribution facility.

[0035] The data transmitted by main facility 22 to television distribution
facility 26 includes television program guide data such as program times,
channels, titles, ratings, descriptions and other program listings
information, and pay program pricing information, copy protection
information, etc. If desired, some data may be provided using data
sources at facilities other than main facility 22.

[0036] Television distribution facility 26 distributes the program guide
data to multiple users via communications paths 30. Program guide data
may be distributed periodically (e.g., once each week). Each user has
user television equipment 32 for displaying television program listings
and providing other interactive television program guide features. Many
features of the interactive television program guide are provided by
executing instructions with a microprocessor or similar control circuitry
within user equipment 32. Communications paths 30 preferably have
sufficient bandwidth to allow television distribution facility 26 to
distribute television programming and other video information to user
equipment 32 in addition to program guide data. If desired, program guide
data may be distributed by a distribution facility that is separate from
television distribution facility 26 using communications paths that are
separate from communications paths 30.

[0038] User equipment 32 preferably contains a set-top box 34 or other
suitable equipment with which an interactive program guide is
implemented. Set-top box 34 contains control circuitry 36, which is
preferably microprocessor-based circuitry for executing instructions to
control the operation of the interactive program guide. Set-top box 34
also has tuner, communications, and display circuitry 38.

[0039] Circuitry 38 contains communications circuitry for extracting
program data from video and data signals provided to set-top box 34 over
communications link 30. This extracted program data is provided to
control circuitry 36 via path 40. The communications circuitry in
circuitry 38 allows control circuitry 36 to transmit signals to
television distribution facility 26.

[0040] Circuitry 38 also contains display circuitry that allows a program
grid and other interactive program guide information generated by control
circuitry 36 to be displayed on a television such as television 44.

[0041] Circuitry 38 contains tuner circuitry for selecting a desired
television channel from among the television signals provide to set-top
box 34 via communications path 30. The signal for the television channel
is provided to videocassette recorder 42 and television 44 via path 46.
Videocassette recorder 42 and television 44 which may be provided in the
form of a separate television (TV) and videocassette recorder (VCR) (not
shown) or as a single integrated TV/VCR unit 48 powered by a common power
circuit 50, as shown in FIG. 1.

[0042] Another function of circuitry 38 is to block parentally-locked
programs (e.g., by disrupting the audio and video signals of such locked
programs). Circuitry 38 may also be used to enable or disable viewing of
pay programs depending on whether such programs have been purchase by the
viewer. Typically, authorization for the descrambling of scrambled pay
programs is provided to set-top box 34 from television distribution
facility 26 after a program purchase request transmitted to television
distribution facility 26 by set-top box 34 has been processed. If
desired, circuitry 38 may have the capability to handle copy-protected
programs, so that, for example, circuitry 38 may remove copy protection
from a given program.

[0043] During normal television viewing, the user tunes set-top box 34 to
a desired television channel. The signal for that television channel is
then provided on path 46 either as a radio-frequency (RF) signal on a
predefined channel (e.g., channel 3 or 4) or as a demodulated video
signal. The video signal on path 46 is received by TV/VCR 48, so that the
user may record programs. Program recording and other features may be
controlled by the interactive program guide on set-top box 34 using
infrared transmitter 52 to provide commands to infrared receiver 54 in
TV/VCR 48. Infrared receiver 54 also accepts commands from remote control
56. Remote control 56 may be used to control set-top box 34 by
transmitting commands to infrared receiver 58. If videocassette recorder
42 and television 44 are provided as separate units, each unit may have
its own infrared receiver. Commands from infrared transmitter 52 used to
direct the functions of videocassette recorder 42 may then be provided
directly to the infrared receiver of videocassette recorder 42.

[0044] Remote control 56 may have cursor keys, an "enter," "select," or
"ok" button, a "guide" button, a "record" button, an "order" button, a
"lock" button and various other control buttons. When the user presses
the "guide" button, set-top box 34 invokes the interactive program guide
and displays an appropriate screen of program listings on television 44.

[0045] A typical program guide display is a grid of television program
listings such as grid 60 of FIG. 2. Each row of grid 60 contains program
listings information for a different television channel. Columns of grid
60 are associated with different scheduled broadcast times for the
programs (e.g., 9:00 PM, 9:30 PM, and 10:00 PM). The program listings
format of grid 60 is illustrative only. Any other suitable type of
program listings display format may be used. Moreover, grid 60 is only
one display screen of many display screens that are generally presented
to the user during use of the program guide. Various menus and program
listings screens are generated to provide program guide features related
to setting up the program guide system, searching or sorting program
listings, viewing information for selected programs, handling the
purchase of pay programming, informing the viewer of copy protection,
prompting the viewer for parental-control information, etc.

[0046] In a program listings grid such as grid 60 of FIG. 2, a highlight
region such as highlight region 62 may be used to define the current
position of the user in the grid. The user positions highlight region 62
using the cursors on remote control 56. If highlight region 62 is
positioned on a program that the user desires to record, the user can
select that program for recording by pressing the "record" button. If
highlight region 62 is positioned on a pay program that the user desires
to order, the user can order the program by pressing the "order" button.
The user can press the "lock" button to set parental controls (e.g., to
prevent a child from viewing inappropriate material). The "enter" button
may be used in conjunction with the cursor keys to navigate through
program guide menus and to respond to various queries from the program
guide. If desired, the functions of the dedicated "enter," "guide,"
"record," "order," and "lock" buttons and various other control buttons
on remote control 56 may be provided in the form of suitable menu options
that the user may select using the cursor keys and a button like the
"select" or "enter" button. In addition, other dedicated buttons may be
provided on remote control 56 if desired.

[0047] One aspect of the present invention relates to recording television
programs selected from the interactive program guide using single unit
TV/VCRs. Combined TV/VCR units are incompatible with previously known
program guide systems, because the VCR "on" commands that were typically
transmitted by such systems just prior to recording a selected program
caused combined TV/VCRs that were on because the user was watching TV to
be turned off.

[0048] Illustrative steps involved in using the interactive program guide
system of the present invention to record programs on TV/VCR units such
as TV/VCR 48 are shown in FIG. 3. At step 64, a message is displayed on
the user's television that provides the user with an opportunity to
indicate whether the videocassette recorder being used is a stand-alone
unit or is part of a combined TV/VCR unit. After the user indicates that
a combined TV/VCR unit is being used, the user is provided with an
opportunity to enter the manufacturer and model of the TV/VCR unit at
step 66. Steps 64 and 66 may be performed during the set-up procedures
for the interactive program guide system.

[0049] At step 68, the user is provided with an opportunity to select a
program for recording from the program guide. For example, the user may
position highlight region 62 (FIG. 2) on top of a desired program entry
in program listings grid 60 (FIG. 2) and press the "record" button on
remote control 56 (FIG. 1). Just before the scheduled broadcast time of
the selected program, a message is displayed on television 44 (FIG. 1)
that informs the user that recording is about to begin (step 70). The
message asks whether the user desires to continue with the recording of
the selected television program. If the user indicates a desire to
discontinue the recording of the program in response to the message of
step 70, the recording of the program is cancelled at step 72. If the
user indicates a desire to continue with the recording of the program in
response to the message of step 70, the recording of the selected program
is performed at step 74. Program recording at step 74 involves using
control circuitry 36 to direct circuitry 38 to tune to the appropriate
channel for recording the selected program and to direct videocassette
recorder 42 of TV/VCR unit 48 to begin recording by transmitting a
"record" command to infrared receiver 54 of TV/VCR 48 with infrared
transmitter 52. When the selected program is over, recording may be
terminated by transmitting a "stop" command to videocassette recorder 42.

[0050] If the user does not respond to the message of step 70, it is
assumed that the user is not present and that the TV/VCR is therefore
off. Accordingly, at step 76, control circuitry 36 directs circuitry 38
to tune to the appropriate channel for recording the selected program,
directs videocassette recorder 42 of TV/VCR unit 48 to turn on by
transmitting a "turn on" command to infrared receiver 54 of TV/VCR 48
with infrared transmitter 52, and directs videocassette recorder 42 of
TV/VCR unit 48 to begin recording by transmitting a "record" command to
infrared receiver 54 of TV/VCR 48 with infrared transmitter 52. When the
selected program is over, recording may be terminated by transmitting
"stop" and "off" commands to TV/VCR unit 48.

[0051] Another aspect of the present invention relates to recording
consecutive programs on different channels. Previously known program
guide systems have recorded short buffer segments just before and after
the scheduled broadcast time of each recorded program. For example, as
shown in. FIG. 4, a one-minute buffer segment 80 is typically recorded
before program 78 is scheduled to begin at 3:00 and a three-minute buffer
segment 82 is recorded following the scheduled completion of program 78
at 4:00. Recording buffer segments 80 and 82 in addition to program 78
ensures that program 78 is recorded in its entirety even if there is a
slight error in the set-top box clock. However, if a second program 84 is
selected for consecutive recording on a different channel (e.g., channel
5 instead of channel 4), the beginning of second program 84 (e.g., from
4:00 to 4:03) will be lost because the system will not change to the
proper channel for program 84 until the recording of buffer segment 82
has been completed.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 5, the interactive program guide system of the
present invention eliminates the trailing buffer of first program 86
whenever a second program 88 is selected for back-to-back recording on a
different channel (e.g., channel 5 rather than channel 4). The other
buffer segments, such as leading buffer segment 90 and trailing buffer
segment 92, are preferably retained. If another program is selected for
recording immediately following program 88, trailing buffer segment 92
may be eliminated. If desired, all buffer segments may be eliminated.
Buffer segment lengths other than the illustrative one-minute leading and
three-minute trailing buffer segment lengths shown in FIG. 5 may also be
used.

[0053] Another aspect of the present invention relates to recording
programs that may have been locked by a parent to prevent viewing by a
child. As shown in FIG. 6a, the interactive program guide system of the
present invention allows a parent to lock certain programs at step 93. In
particular, the system allows the parent to define blocking criteria at
step 94 to selectively lock certain programs (i.e., programs with
possibly inappropriate content for children). Step 94 may be performed
during a set-up procedure or whenever desired. Programs with specific
titles may be blocked. Blocking criteria may also be based on ratings,
channel, time period, content (e.g., sex or violence), etc. Program guide
data such as titles, ratings, channels, times, content, etc. is provided
to set-top box 34 from program database 24 of main facility 22 so that
the system can determine which programs should be blocked based on the
blocking criteria. Following (or before) entry of the blocking criteria
at step 94, the system allows the parent to create a parental control
personal identification number (PIN) at step 96.

[0054] When the parent wishes to view a program that has been locked, the
parent tunes to the desired channel at step 98 of FIG. 6b. The system
blocks the audio and video of the locked program until the parent enters
the parental control PIN. A child without the PIN cannot view the locked
program.

[0055] Various techniques may be used by the system to handle the
recording of locked programs. One approach is shown in FIG. 7a. At step
102, the system allows the user to select a program for recording from
the program guide (e.g., by highlighting the desired program and pressing
the "record" button on remote control 56). At step 104, the system
determines whether the selected program has been locked. If the selected
program has not been locked, the program is recorded at the scheduled
broadcast time at step 106 (e.g., by tuning to the desired channel with
circuitry 38 and activating videocassette recorder 42 at the appropriate
time.) If the selected program has been locked, the system displays a
message at step 108 that asks the user to provide the parental control
PIN created at step 96 of FIG. 6a. If a correct PIN is not provided, the
program is not recorded (step 110). If the correct PIN is provided at
step 108, the system unlocks the selected program and records the
unlocked program at step 112.

[0056] Another approach is shown in FIG. 7b. At step 114, the system
allows the user to select a program for recording from the program guide.
Later, but before the scheduled broadcast time for the selected program,
the user may lock the selected program at step 116. The locking of the
selected program at step 116 may be deliberate or inadvertent (e.g., when
a user defines blocking criteria at step 94 of FIG. 6a that cause a
number of programs including the selected program to become locked).
Regardless of whether the locking of the selected program is deliberate
or inadvertent, the system detects that the selected program has become
locked-and displays a corresponding message at step 118. The message
informs the user that a program previously selected for recording is now
locked. The message also asks the user whether the user desires to cancel
the recording of the selected program or whether the recording selection
should be retained. If the user indicates that the recording selection
should be cancelled, the selected program is not recorded by the system
(step 120). If the user indicates that the recording selection should be
retained, the system unlocks the selected program and records the
selected program at the scheduled broadcast time at step 122.

[0057] Another approach is shown in FIG. 7c. At step 124, the system
allows the user to select a program for recording from the program guide.
At step 126, the system determines whether a parental control PIN has
been created (i.e., at step 96 of FIG. 6a). If no parental control PIN
has been created, no programs are locked, so the system may record the
selected program at the scheduled broadcast time at step 128. If a
parental control PIN has been created, this indicates that the parent is
interested in controlling which programs are viewed by the child.
Accordingly, at step 130, the system asks the user to input the parental
control PIN. If the PIN is incorrect, the recording of the selected
program may either be prevented entirely or may be allowed to proceed but
without unlocking the program (step 132). If the correct parental control
PIN is provided at step 130, the system unlocks the selected program if
it was locked and records the selected program at the scheduled broadcast
time at step 134.

[0058] The approaches of FIGS. 7a, 7b, 7c allow the system to handle the
recording of parentally-locked programs without requiring the user to
enter a parental control PIN at a time when the user might not be
present.

[0059] Another aspect of the present invention relates to recording pay
programs. Previously known systems allowed programs to be selected for
recording without checking to see if such programs were pay programs. If
the user of such a system failed to purchase the program prior to
recording, the program would not be descrambled during recording.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 8, the system of the present invention allows a
user to select a program for recording from the program guide at step
136. At step 138, the system determines whether the selected program is a
pay program. Program guide data identifying certain program listings as
pay programs is provided to set-top box 34 with the other program guide
data supplied by database 24 of main facility 22.

[0061] If the system determines at step 138 that the selected program is
not a pay program, the system records the selected program at the
scheduled broadcast time at step 140. If the system determines that the
selected program is a pay program, the system either confirms that the
user has already purchased the selected program or allows the user to
purchase the program at step 142. The user may purchase the program by
entering an appropriate predefined personal identification number or
using some other suitable technique (e.g. entering "ok" following display
of a message asking the user to confirm a purchase). At the appropriate
time, set-top box 34 descrambles the desired pay program. If the user
indicates a desire not to purchase the program at step 142, the recording
of the selected program is cancelled at step 144. If the program is
purchased, the system descrambles and records the selected program at the
scheduled broadcast time at step 146.

[0062] Another aspect of the present invention relates to recording
copy-protected programs. Previously known systems have allowed users to
select copy-protected programs for recording without warning the users
that the selected programs were copy protected and therefore not useable
if recorded.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 9, the system of the present invention allows the
user to select a program for recording from the program guide at step
148. At step 150, the system determines whether the selected program is
copy protected. Program guide data identifying certain program listings
as copy protected is provided to set-top box 34 with the other program
guide data supplied by database 24 of main facility 22. If the system
determines at step 150 that the selected program is not copy protected,
the selected program is recorded at the scheduled broadcast time at step
152. If the system determines that the program selected for recording is
copy protected, the system displays a message at step 154 informing the
user that the selected program may not be recorded.

[0064] Another aspect of the invention relates to recording pay programs
that are offered at different prices depending on whether the program is
copy protected or not. As shown in FIG. 10, at step 156 the system allows
the user to select a pay program for viewing only or for recording (and
viewing if desired).

[0065] If the user opts to record the selected program, the system allows
the user to purchase the program at the appropriate price for recording
the program without copy protection at step 158. If the user declines to
purchase the program during step 158, recording is cancelled. If,
however, the user confirms the purchase of the selected program, the
order is processed by transmitting the order to television distribution
facility 26. At step 160, the system provides the selected program
without copy protection and records the selected program.

[0066] If at step 156 the user opts to view the program but not to record
the program, the system allows the user to purchase the program at a
copy-protected price (typically less than the price without copy
protection) at step 162. The system also informs the user at step 162
that the program may not be recorded. At step 164, the system provides
the program to the user for viewing with copy protection.

[0067] If desired, combinations of these various program guide features
may be provided. For example, parentally-recorded programs may be
recorded on combinations TV/VCR units, pay programs may be recorded
back-to-back with other programs, copy-protected programs that are
parentally controlled may be recorded, etc.

[0068] The foregoing is merely illustrative of the principles of this,
invention and various modifications can be made by those skilled in the
art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

Patent applications by Bruce L. Davis, Lake Oswego, OR US

Patent applications by Edward B. Knudson, Lakewood, CO US

Patent applications by Michael D. Ellis, Boulder, CO US

Patent applications by William L. Thomas, Evergreen, CO US

Patent applications by United Video Properties, Inc.

Patent applications in class Of specific program (e.g., based on program rating)

Patent applications in all subclasses Of specific program (e.g., based on program rating)